Lifelong Manchester City fan Noel Gallagher has said he is 'shocked and saddened' by the news that the club has been found guilty on almost all charges of breaching Premier League financial rules.
The news was leaked on Friday (September 25) that the club had been found guilty on all but one of the 115 charges laid by the Premier League in February 2023, alleged to have taken place between 2009 and 2018, which the club have always strenuously denied.
Gallagher's reaction to the verdict
Appearing on the City podcast Let Me Talk, Gallagher said he felt “quite sad” for the fans and the players, PA reports.
"[I'm] surprised, because … the club have assured us all along that they vehemently denied any of these charges," he said. “So it was a bit of a shock to find out that we’ve been found guilty of all but one. But really overall, just quite sad really. Sad for the fans and for the players.”
What it means for the pitch victories
Asked if it changes moments like Sergio Aguero’s title-winning goal in 2012, Gallagher said: “Our focus as fans is always on the pitch and we know what we saw – they won it on the pitch.
“Whatever goes on in the boardroom, it’s nothing to do with the supporters or the players. The players won that game and won that title on the pitch.
“Whether some of those players should have been there or not, that’s nothing to do with the fans. We were there, we know what we saw.
“Does it taint it? I suppose in the eyes of everybody else in England it would, but I know what I saw and I know what I felt.”
Liam Gallagher's blunt response
His brother and fellow frontman Liam Gallagher had a somewhat more blunt reaction to the news.
Responding to a post about the charges on X from journalist Ben Jacobs, Liam wrote: "Get your OASIS tickets bought and stop talking out your f****** ar** you S****BUBBLE."
In another post on X replying to Jacobs, he added: "CTID [City 'Til I Die]".
In a statement released to the Manchester Evening News, a City spokesperson said: “The Premier League process remains ongoing, with significant elements to be completed, and subject to strict confidentiality.
"As such Manchester City FC’s position remains consistent with the Club’s statement of February 2023.
"The Club has diligently respected due process for eight years on the basis that the Premier League Board and Executive would behave as an independent, impartial and fair-minded regulator, free from partisan influence."
